Both Barcelona and Manchester United need to make some moves in the January transfer window if either club has any hopes of turning around their disappointing campaigns. With two of the biggest clubs in the world struggling to find form, perhaps they may look to one another in order to provide a spark to their respective squads. Recent rumors from Catalan outlet ARA suggest that Manchester United and Barcelona could be considering a shocking swap deal which would see Anthony Martial head to Barca while Ousmane Dembele would be sent the other way.

Martial has grown frustrated with his lack of playing opportunities for Manchester United, and Ralf Rangnick's arrival doesn't suggest the Frenchman will be seeing more of the pitch during the second half of the season. In 2021-22, Martial has made just seven Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, starting just two games on the year. He's scored one goal across 203 minutes on the field, clearly down the pecking order in terms of attacking options for Manchester United.

As for Dembele, contract talks with Barcelona have stalled due to the outrageous demands Dembele is seeking. The oft-injured French winger is rumored to be demanding upwards of $40 million per season, in addition to a hefty signing bonus. With Barcelona mired by its own financial crisis, paired with the recent signing of former Manchester City man Ferran Torres for $62 million, plus add-ons, it seems unlikely the Catalan side is willing to meet his demands.

Both teams are desperate for a mid-season shakeup, so perhaps they would consider a swap deal to get two unhappy players the opportunity to find form elsewhere. Dembele's contract will expire at the end of the season, so this would mark the end of his tenure with Barcelona, however, the deal would see Martial heading to Barca on a six-month loan, before returning to England.